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Where Is Pawna Lake?
Pawna Lake is a reservoir in the Maval area of Pune district, between Lonavala and Kamshet. It is formed by the Pawna dam and surrounded by the hills of Tung, Tikona, Lohagad and Visapur forts. Because it sits roughly between Pune and Mumbai, it is an easy overnight trip from both cities.
The lake is large and campsites are spread along its shore, so the exact route to your stay depends on which side of the lake it is on. Your booking confirmation will have the location, and it is always a good idea to open it in your maps app before you set out. Mobile network can be patchy close to the lake.
Distance and Travel Time at a Glance
- From Pune: About 55–60 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road
- From Mumbai: About 110–120 km, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road
- From Lonavala: About 20–25 km
- Nearest railway stations: Lonavala and Kamshet
Travel times depend heavily on traffic. Friday evenings out of the cities and Sunday afternoons back can take noticeably longer.
From Pune by Car or Bike
The most common route from Pune is along the old Mumbai–Pune highway.
- Head out of Pune towards Talegaon on the old highway.
- Continue to Kamshet.
- From Kamshet, turn towards the Pawna side and follow the road to your campsite.
The last stretch after Kamshet runs through villages and fields and is quite scenic. Roads are mostly narrower here, so drive carefully, especially after dark. This route is popular with bikers too. If you are coming from the Hinjewadi or western side of Pune, your maps app may suggest a slightly different approach, but the general direction is the same.
From Mumbai by Car or Bike
From Mumbai, the fastest route is via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
- Take the Expressway from Mumbai towards Pune.
- Exit at Lonavala.
- From Lonavala, follow the roads towards the Pawna side, roughly 20–25 km.
The hill roads after Lonavala are winding in places, so keep an eye on your speed. Toll charges apply on the Expressway. Two-wheelers are not allowed on the Expressway, so bikers from Mumbai generally use the old highway instead; it takes longer but is a pleasant ride.
By Train
If you do not have a vehicle, the train is a good option.
- Lonavala station is on the main Mumbai–Pune line and is well served by many trains from both cities.
- Kamshet station is closer to the Pawna side and is served by Pune–Lonavala local trains.
From either station, local buses and shared or private rickshaws generally run towards the villages around Pawna Lake. However, local transport can be infrequent, especially in the evening and during heavy rain. Many travellers prefer to fix a rickshaw or cab in advance. Note that transport is not included in camp bookings, so plan this part of the trip yourself.
By Bus
State transport buses and private buses connect Pune and Mumbai with Lonavala, and local buses run from Lonavala and Kamshet towards the Pawna area. Schedules can change, so check timings locally before relying on a bus for the last leg. For groups, booking a private bus or tempo traveller from your city is usually the most convenient. See our group camping page for more on planning group trips.
When to Leave
Check-in at most camps is around 2 PM and check-out around 11 AM, though timings vary. A few suggestions:
- From Pune: Leaving around 11 AM to noon gets you there comfortably for check-in.
- From Mumbai: Leaving by 10 AM gives you a buffer for Expressway traffic.
- Aim to reach before sunset — Finding a lakeside camp is much easier in daylight, and the sunset is one of the best parts of the trip.
If you have time, stop at the Karla caves, Ekvira temple or Bhaje caves on the way from Lonavala.
Road Tips
- Fill fuel before you leave the highway; options are limited near the lake.
- Download offline maps or save your camp location in advance.
- Keep the camp's contact handy so you can call for directions.
- In the monsoon (June to September), roads can be slippery and slower; read our monsoon camping guide.
- Parking is included with stays like the Classic Camp Tent; check your listing for details.
Travelling as a Group
For groups of friends, families or office teams, a few things make the journey easier. Hiring a tempo traveller or mini bus from your city keeps everyone together and avoids the problem of finding local transport from the station. If you are driving in several cars, agree on a meeting point such as Lonavala or Kamshet before the final stretch, since network can drop closer to the lake. Share the camp location with every driver in advance. Bikers riding in a group should keep a steady pace on the narrow village roads and avoid riding after dark. Remember that check-in is around 2 PM, so plan the departure time around the slowest member of the group.
Nearby Options If You Are Coming from Mumbai or Pune
If you are deciding between destinations, see our pages on camping near Pune and camping near Mumbai. For stays closer to Lonavala itself, like the Silva Villa at Patan/Malavli, see our Lonavala camping page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pawna Lake from Pune?
Pawna Lake is about 55–60 km from Pune, which usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours via the old Mumbai–Pune highway and Kamshet.
How far is Pawna Lake from Mumbai?
It is about 110–120 km from Mumbai, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, exiting at Lonavala.
Which is the nearest railway station to Pawna Lake?
Lonavala and Kamshet are the nearest stations. Kamshet is closer to the Pawna side, while Lonavala has more trains.
Is transport included in the camping package?
No. Transport is not included, so you need to arrange your own travel to the campsite.
Can I reach Pawna Lake by public transport?
Yes, by train to Lonavala or Kamshet and then local bus or rickshaw. Local options can be limited in the evenings, so arranging a rickshaw in advance is wise.
Is it safe to drive to Pawna Lake at night?
The roads near the lake are narrow and not always well lit, so it is best to reach before dark.
